ZAMBIA - LOCHINVAR NATIONAL PARK - LECHWE PLAINS
In
depth guide to the seasons, animals, birds and wildlife
habitats of Lochinvar and Lechwe in Zambia
To
request a private safari tour of Lochinvar and Lechwe in Zambia,
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Once
it was bequeathed to the nation in 1904, land
belonging to an old colonial farmhouse under
a preservation order, returned to its wild
state. Lochinvar's huge swath of unique wetland
and beautiful floodplain savannah was subsequently
deemed to be important enough to be granted
World Heritage Status.
This park of
exceptional beauty is situated on the Kafue
River floodplain, easily accessible midway
between Livingstone and Lusaka. It extends
from the Kafue River in the north, to low
wooded hills in the south and includes the
Chunga Lagoon whose levels fluctuate according
to river flow. Within the park are two National
Monument sites: Sebanzi
Hill iron-age village site which has dramatic
views over the
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surrounding flats and thick bushland, and the
sulphurous Gwisho Hot Springs whose saline deposits
attract animals who delight in licking the salt.
Lochinvar is a
tranquil hideaway far from the main safari circuits,
offering peace and beauty together with ever-changing
waterscapes. Local villagers are also part of
the eco system and support themselves by fishing
from mokoro dug-out canoes.
ANIMALS
AND BIRDS
The glinting waterways
attract an incredible number of birds and masses
of antelopes on the Kafue floodplains, including
about 2,000 blue wildebeest and the last stronghold
of approximately 30,000 graceful, aquatic Kafue
lechwe.
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Big game is restricted to hippo and buffalo
and predators include leopard and spotted hyena.
With over 400 species of birds there are always
plenty to see.
SEASONS
Zambia
has three main seasons:
Hot Rainy Season: December
to March is hot, humid and rainy with an abundance
of insects. Lodges often close from December
to March, as roads become impassable. Expect
midday temperatures of at least 82°F (28°C)
Cool Dry Winter: May to September
is cool and dry with pleasant mid-term temperatures
around 75°F (24°C). Night temperatures
go down to 46°F (8°C). Warm clothing
is advisable for winter evenings.
Hot Dry Season: October and
November becomes hotter reaching approximately
95°F (35°C).
The best time to visit Lochinvar is during the
dry months from June to November.
LOCHINVAR
SPECIALITIES
• Mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursions
• Guided walks
• Sitatunga rare aquatic antelope
• Sport fishing
• Night drives
• Cultural visits to nearby fishing villages
• Hot springs
• Iron-age archaeological sites
• Exquisite 'Out of Africa' lodges
• Outstanding birding opportunities
FACTS
This
is a malarial area
The park is 428 square kilometres.
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Follow the links below to Zambia's premier wildlife regions
and game reserves.
PRIVATE
SAFARI LODGES WE RECOMMEND IN THE ZAMBIA REGION |
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